California Governor Gavin Newsom recently shared a surprising and lighthearted anecdote about his 13-year-old son’s admiration for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. During a conversation with Kirk, Newsom revealed how excited his son was about the chance to meet him. According to Newsom, his son was so eager that he kept asking about Kirk’s arrival time the night before, even as Newsom tried to get him to bed. The excitement carried over into the next morning when his son woke up early, determined not to miss the opportunity. Though Newsom didn’t let his son skip school for the event, the enthusiasm was unmistakable.
The exchange took on a more reflective tone when Newsom acknowledged the influence Kirk has on younger audiences. Newsom praised Kirk’s impact on college campuses and even mentioned his own son’s engagement with Kirk’s content on TikTok. This unexpected admiration from a Democratic governor’s son for a prominent conservative figure sparked a broader conversation about Kirk’s growing reach and the cultural influence he’s gained through social media and campus events. Newsom’s openness about his son’s interest highlights how Kirk’s message resonates across political lines, especially with younger generations.
Their discussion then shifted toward the political landscape, where Newsom expressed concern over the traction Kirk’s movement has gained. Newsom candidly admitted that Democrats are facing challenges in connecting with younger audiences in the same way Kirk’s movement has managed to do. He acknowledged that Kirk’s ability to engage and mobilize students has made a significant impact, creating a cultural shift that’s hard to ignore. This recognition from a high-profile Democrat speaks volumes about Kirk’s influence and the effectiveness of his outreach efforts.
Kirk, in turn, attributed much of his movement’s growth to former President Donald Trump, calling him the catalyst for the surge in conservative activism. While Kirk acknowledged his own role in building the platform, he credited Trump with amplifying their message and creating a political and cultural moment that opened the door for their movement’s expansion. This sense of momentum and cultural relevance, according to Kirk, wouldn’t have been possible without the former president’s leadership and the environment he fostered.
The conversation between Newsom and Kirk offered a rare glimpse into the cross-political admiration and the broader cultural shifts taking place in American politics. Newsom’s recognition of Kirk’s growing influence—especially among younger audiences—underscores the evolving political dialogue happening in the country. It’s a reminder that the next generation’s engagement and interest in political movements can often cross party lines, reshaping conversations in unexpected ways.